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Cozy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Bake

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A quick and easy baked ziti recipe combining creamy cottage and ricotta cheeses with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a comforting, cheesy pasta bake perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups (950 ml) marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 ½ cups (340 grams) small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 cup (240 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until smooth and well mixed.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in marinara sauce and warm through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked ziti with the warm marinara sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Spread half of the sauced pasta evenly into the prepared baking dish. Dollop and gently spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
  7. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and mozzarella.
  8. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for garnish.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven. Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for better melting and browning. Cover the dish with foil during baking to keep moisture in and remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese. Let the dish rest before serving to set properly. Optional substitutions include gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, Italian pasta, creamy baked ziti

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/cozy-cheesy-baked-ziti-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-bake/